The Top Essential Supplies for New Homeschoolers
Inside: the top essential supplies for new homeschoolers by grade level—elementary to high school. Get organized and confident for your homeschool year!
Starting out as a new homeschooling parent can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to gather all the essential supplies. Whether you’re teaching little hands at the kitchen table or helping an older kid write a research paper, having the right supplies makes all the difference. This guide breaks down your ultimate homeschool supply list by grade level—so whether you’re homeschooling an elementary student or a high schooler, you’ll feel equipped for a successful homeschool year.
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The Top Essential Supplies for New Homeschoolers
Everything you need to start your homeschooling journey with confidence – broken down by grade levels to make it easier on you, homeschool mom.
You do not need to have a dedicated homeschool room, in fact, the one time we did, we never used it, it’s not one of the essential things you need to homeschool. Thislist is coming from a mom with years of homeschooling experience.
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Elementary Homeschool Essentials (K-5)
For new homeschoolers teaching elementary-aged children, hands-on learning and creativity are key! These essential homeschool supplies encourage curiosity and support foundational skills.
Basic School & Art Supplies
- Ticonderoga pencils
- Glue sticks
- Crayons, markers, and colored pencils
- Construction paper in vibrant colors
- Tempera paint and watercolor paints
- Art supplies like safety scissors, popsicle sticks, and pipe cleaners
- Good electric pencil sharpener
Craft time is a great way to develop fine motor skills while having fun!
Cactus Bulletin Board Borders Classroom Decor
Cactus Bulletin Board Borders for Classroom Decoration. Looking for a beautiful Cactus Bulletin Board Border Set this year? Be the envy of all your teacher friends with this amazing Border Set.
Teaching & Organization Tools
- White board and dry erase markers
- Math manipulatives (counting bears, base 10 blocks)
- Spiral notebooks for daily journaling or subject notebooks
- 3-ring binders with file folders for organizing school work
Fun & Functional Additions
- Board games that reinforce math, reading, and logic
- Coloring books for quiet time
- Homeschool planners (digital or paper planner for homeschool moms)
Learning Environment
- Dedicated space like a school area in a spare room
- Educational resources like a globe, calendar, and map
- A CD player or Bluetooth speaker for audiobooks and music learning
Community & Resources
- A library card – your local library is a great place to find reference books, read-alouds, and educational websites
- Take field trips to local museums or farms – a great way to bring lessons to life!
Middle/High School Homeschool Essentials (Grades 6+)
Middle school is a time when homeschooling parents start transitioning their kids into more independent learners. Supplies should reflect more complex thinking and the ability to manage more subjects.
Core Academic Supplies
- Spiral notebooks for each subject
- 3-ring binders with dividers for daily work
- Wooden rulers, Ticonderoga No. 2 pencils, and highlighters
- Book covers and pencil cases to keep things tidy
Tools for Independent Study
- Online resources and educational websites
- Homeschool lesson planner to start introducing scheduling
- Math manipulatives like fraction tiles or geometry sets for tackling math problems
Creative and Research Tools
- Craft supplies for project-based learning
- Notebooking supplies for science or history reports
- Starting to use science tools like microscopes or beginner kits
- Introducing how to write a research paper step-by-step
Supporting Systems
- A laser printer for printing worksheets and reports
- File folders for storing assignments by subject or week
- Board games for logic, strategy, and team-building (especially useful for co-op or group settings)
Spring Bulletin Board: “I Am Lucky Because…” Writing Activity & Decor Set
Brighten up your classroom this spring with this engaging and reflective bulletin board kit! This set encourages students to think about their own luck by completing the writing prompt: “I am lucky because…”. Their thoughtful responses are showcased on colorful, themed crafts, making for a vibrant and personalized classroom display.
Tailoring Your Homeschool Supply List to Your Family’s Needs
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to homeschooling. Your supply list will shift depending on your teaching style, your child’s age, and your goals. As a new homeschooling mom, it’s easy to feel like you need everything at once—but start small and add what you truly need.
Many homeschooling parents find that their supply list grows each new school year, and that’s okay! Whether you’re planning for the entire year or just trying to get through the first time, these tools will support your homeschooling journey in the long run.
Everything you need to start your homeschooling journey with confidence – broken down by grade levels to make it easier on you, homeschool mom.
Starting out as a new homeschooling parent can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to gather all the essential supplies. Whether you’re teaching little hands at the kitchen table or helping an older kid write a research paper, having the right supplies makes all the difference. This guide breaks down your ultimate homeschool supply list by grade level—so whether you’re homeschooling an elementary student or a high schooler, you’ll feel equipped for a successful homeschool year.
Butterfly Life Cycle Printables – Life Cycle of A Butterfly Worksheets
Explore the enchanting world of butterflies with our comprehensive Butterfly Life Cycle Printable! Perfect for classroom learning or homeschooling, this resource offers a delightful array of activities to engage young learners in understanding the captivating transformation of these beautiful creatures.
The Top Essential Supplies for New Homeschoolers
You do not need to have a dedicated homeschool room; in fact, the one time we did, we never used it, it’s not one of the essential things you need to homeschool. Thislist is coming from a mom with years of homeschooling experience.
Elementary Homeschool Essentials (K-5)
For new homeschoolers teaching elementary-aged children, hands-on learning and creativity are key! These essential homeschool supplies encourage curiosity and support foundational skills.
Basic School & Art Supplies
- Ticonderoga pencils
- Glue sticks
- Crayons, markers, and colored pencils
- Construction paper in vibrant colors
- Tempera paint and watercolor paints
- Art supplies like safety scissors, popsicle sticks, and pipe cleaners
- Good electric pencil sharpener
Craft time is a great way to develop fine motor skills while having fun!
Teaching & Organization Tools
- White board and dry erase markers
- Math manipulatives (counting bears, base 10 blocks)
- Spiral notebooks for daily journaling or subject notebooks
- 3-ring binders with file folders for organizing school work
Fun & Functional Additions
- Board games that reinforce math, reading, and logic
- Coloring books for quiet time
- Homeschool planners (digital or paper planner for homeschool moms)
Learning Environment
- Dedicated space like a school area in a spare room
- Educational resources like a globe, calendar, and map
- A CD player or Bluetooth speaker for audiobooks and music learning
Community & Resources
- A library card – your local library is a great place to find reference books, read-alouds, and educational websites
- Take field trips to local museums or farms – a great way to bring lessons to life!
Middle/High School Homeschool Essentials (Grades 6+)
Middle school is a time when homeschooling parents start transitioning their kids into more independent learners. Supplies should reflect more complex thinking and the ability to manage more subjects.
Core Academic Supplies
- Spiral notebooks for each subject
- 3-ring binders with dividers for daily work
- Wooden rulers, Ticonderoga No. 2 pencils, and highlighters
- Book covers and pencil cases to keep things tidy
Tools for Independent Study
- Online resources and educational websites
- Homeschool lesson planner to start introducing scheduling
- Math manipulatives like fraction tiles or geometry sets for tackling math problems
Creative and Research Tools
- Craft supplies for project-based learning
- Notebooking supplies for science or history reports
- Starting to use science tools like microscopes or beginner kits
- Introducing how to write a research paper step-by-step
Supporting Systems
- A laser printer for printing worksheets and reports
- File folders for storing assignments by subject or week
- Board games for logic, strategy, and team-building (especially useful for co-op or group settings)
Tailoring Your Homeschool Supply List to Your Family’s Needs
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to homeschooling. Your supply list will shift depending on your teaching style, your child’s age, and your goals. As a new homeschooling mom, it’s easy to feel like you need everything at once—but start small and add what you truly need.
Many homeschooling parents find that their supply list grows each new school year, and that’s okay! Whether you’re planning for the entire year or just trying to get through the first time, these tools will support your homeschooling journey in the long run.
The good news? You don’t need to buy it all at once! Prioritize what works best for your family, and you’ll find your rhythm.
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